Staff Reporter : Kolkata, 16th December 2025: Apollo Cancer Centre (ACC) has launched a unique initiative that blends indulgence with awareness through ‘Check-Olate’, a sweet treat that carries an even sweeter reminder: take a moment for yourself.
According to GLOBOCAN, breast cancer remains the leading cause of cancer incidence and mortality among Indian women, accounting for 13.5% of all new cancer cases and 10.6% of total cancer deaths. Despite this growing burden, screening rates remain alarmingly low, with only 1.6% of women aged 30–69 years having ever undergone screening (NCBI). Recognising the urgent need for greater awareness and proactive prevention, ACC aims to normalise self-care through Check-Olate and empower women to make breast self-examination a monthly ritual, helping them take charge of their health early.
The ‘Check-Olate’ campaign was launched in the presence of Dr. Surinder Singh Bhatia – Director Medical Services, Apollo Hospitals, Eastern Region, and Smt. Sumitra Barat – Executive Member of Hitaishini, a voluntary organization spreading Breast Cancer Awareness across India, along with Dr. Arundhati De – Consultant Radiation Oncology, Dr. Mukti Mukherjee – Consultant, Radiation Oncology, Dr. Rashmi Chand – Consultant Radiology, Dr. Ritu Srivastava – Consultant, and Ms. Suhita Mukherjee – Onco-Counsellor.
Dr. Surinder Singh Bhatia – Director Medical Services, Apollo Hospitals, Eastern Region, said, “When women thrive, nations flourish. A woman’s well-being strengthens families, communities, and the economy alike. At ACC, we continue to drive early detection, enable timely intervention, and foster a culture where proactive care becomes second nature. The ‘Check-Olate’ initiative is yet another meaningful step in this journey, reminding every woman that self-care is not a privilege, but a source of power that fuels a healthier, stronger, and more prosperous India.”
Dr. Arundhati De – Consultant, Radiation Oncology, Apollo Cancer Centre, Kolkata, said, “When it comes to breast cancer, early detection saves life. At ACC, it is our constant endeavour to ensure that every women understands the importance of breast awareness. Awareness about self is the first step to catching an abnormality and breast self-examination is your tool to get familiar with your breasts and detect an abnormality early. Check-Olate is our way of turning a small moment of indulgence into a gentle reminder for self-care. Dark chocolate is comforting and good for the heart and it is our initiative to tell every woman that a simple self-examination, just a few minutes a month, can make all the difference.”
Each bar of dark chocolate (Check-Olate) features a QR code that, when scanned, opens an animated video demonstrating a step-by-step guide on breast self-examination.
Smt. Sumitra Barat – Executive Member, Hitaishini, said, “Everyone loves chocolate, it brings comfort, warmth, and a bit of joy into our day. What makes Check-Olate by Apollo Cancer Centre, special is how it transforms that simple joy into a heartfelt reminder for women to care for themselves and take charge of their health.”
Beyond its symbolic warmth, Check-Olate thoughtfully uses dark chocolate for its proven wellness benefits. According to NCBI, dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants and flavonoids that help reduce inflammation, support heart health, and uplift mood. Research further highlights its positive effects on skin, cardiovascular, and metabolic health, making it not just a treat for the senses but a meaningful reminder that caring for your health can also be a source of comfort.
‘Check-Olate’ is more than a Breast Cancer Awareness initiative; it’s a movement to help women reclaim control over their well-being through simple, meaningful rituals. By turning a moment of indulgence into a nudge for self-care, Apollo Cancer Centre redefines how healthcare communication can connect with empathy, creativity, and purpose.
#WinningOverCancer
About Apollo Cancer Centre – https://apollocancercentres.com/
THE CANCER CARE LEGACY: BREATHING HOPE INTO LIVES FOR OVER 30 YEARS
Cancer care today means 360-degree comprehensive care, which requires commitment, expertise, and an indomitable spirit from cancer specialists.
Apollo Cancer Centre has a network spread across India with over 390 oncologists to oversee the delivery of high-end precision Oncology Therapy. Our oncologists deliver world-class cancer care following an organ-based practice under competent Cancer Management Teams. This helps us in delivering exemplary treatment to the patient in an environment that has consistently delivered an international standard of clinical outcomes.
Today, people from 147 countries come to India for cancer treatment at Apollo Cancer Centres. With the first Pencil Beam Proton Therapy Centre in South Asia & the Middle East, Apollo Cancer Centres, has all that is needed to strengthen the battle against cancer. All domestic and international patients can contact us through our dedicated patient Helpline number: 04048964515. We are available 24×7.
